Barbara Bosson Bochco was an American actress who starred as Fay Furillo on “Hill Street Blues.”
- Died: February 18, 2023 (Who else died on February 18?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 83 in Los Angeles.
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Early work
Born on November 1, 1939, Bosson moved to New York City from her native Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after high school to pursue an acting career. In 1968, she landed her first major role in the Steve McQueen film “Bullitt.” A steady career in television soon followed, including roles in “Longstreet,” “Emergency!,” and the TV movie “The Impatient Heart.”
Hill Street Blues and beyond
In 1981, Bosson was cast as Fay Furillo, the ex-wife of captain Frank Furillo, on the critically acclaimed police drama “Hill Street Blues.” Bosson notably pushed her then-husband, “Hill Street Blues” creator Steve Bochco, to strengthen the character. “It took two years to convince him Fay should be a victim’s advocate,” Bosson said in a United Press International interview in 1985.
She remained on the show until 1986, earning five consecutive Emmy nominations for the fan-favorite role. Bosson received another Emmy nomination a decade later for her role as Miriam Grasso in the procedural drama Murder One.
Her other prominent guest appearances included turns on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” Writing credits include “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” “A Session with the Committee,” and “Scattering Dad.”
Tributes to Barbara Bosson
Full obituary: Los Angeles Times
